Rainforest Hiking With Kids

"Tips For Taking Kids Outdoors"

Malaysia's jungles are exciting habitats and rainforest hiking with kids exposes them to a whole new world of biology, zoology, botany, ecology, weather and a sense of adventure all in one place. Try finding all these elements in the classroom.

Whether you venture just outside Kuala Lumpur or trek to the mountains of Mount Kinabalu, each outdoor trip prepares kids to observe and explore the natural world and enjoy a sense of discovery.

The tropical rainforest offers jungle waterfalls for a swim or a chance to see wild animals, whether large mammals, colorful birds or even fascinating beetles.

Additional safety information to prepare for rainforest hiking with kids can be found at the following:

• Go To Jungle Safety for dealing with wilderness first aid and jungle hazards.
  
• Go To Malaysia Weather to be aware of tropic heat, tropic thunder and extreme outdoor conditions.
  

Tips For Rainforest Hiking With Kids

Keep Kids Interested And Parents Cool

Tip #1: A Good Attitude Is Everything

Being positive about a new adventure goes a long way to convince kids to have fun. No whining aloud. Things will go whacky sometimes, so laugh it off.

Tip #2: Expect The Unexpected

Be flexible. Going outdoors means giving up control. Be prepared to change the schedule or divert an activity due to unforeseen circumstances. Go with the flow. And always plan for rain delays.

Tip #3: Relax And Escape Stress

Trip pre-planning is essential. But the whole idea is to enjoy the outing. Don't plan a tight schedule loaded with more than what you can do in a day at an easy pace.

Tip #4: Be Active With Your Kids

Besides checking on safety, be an active parent and partake in the experience together. Let the kids lead the adventure sometimes.

Tip #5: Balance Teaching And Discovery

Parents are notorious for employing master-student roles. The rainforest embraces self-discovery, within allowable limits, for chances to deal with the environment on your own.

Tip #6: Prepare For Frustration And Fear

Be more supportive, less emotional. Kids need more time to learn in new environs. Let them figure out tough episodes by solving problems without being rescued by mom and dad too often.

Tip #7: Communicate Openly And Direct

Curiosity killed the cat but everything else is alive. Kids ask lots of questions: silly, insightful, hard. Be truthful, be a mentor and keep the learning flame burning bright.

[Note: Adapted from the book Introducing Your Kids To The Outdoors by Christopher Van Tilburg, Stackpole Books (2005) and personal experience with hiking with kids.]